1 Chronicles Chapter 6

Descendants of Levi

1The sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 2And the sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel. 3And the children of Amram; Aaron, and Moses, and Miriam. The sons also of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 4Eleazar begat Phinehas, Phinehas begat Abishua, 5And Abishua begat Bukki, and Bukki begat Uzzi, 6And Uzzi begat Zerahiah, and Zerahiah begat Meraioth, 7Meraioth begat Amariah, and Amariah begat Ahitub, 8And Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Ahimaaz, 9And Ahimaaz begat Azariah, and Azariah begat Johanan, 10And Johanan begat Azariah, (he it is that executed the priest's office in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem:) 11And Azariah begat Amariah, and Amariah begat Ahitub, 12And Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Shallum, 13And Shallum begat Hilkiah, and Hilkiah begat Azariah, 14And Azariah begat Seraiah, and Seraiah begat Jehozadak, 15And Jehozadak went into captivity, when the LORD carried away Judah and Jerusalem by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.

The Levite Clans

16The sons of Levi; Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. 17And these be the names of the sons of Gershom; Libni, and Shimei. 18And the sons of Kohath were, Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel. 19The sons of Merari; Mahli, and Mushi. And these are the families of the Levites according to their fathers. 20Of Gershom; Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son, 21Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeaterai his son. 22The sons of Kohath; Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son, 23Elkanah his son, and Ebiasaph his son, and Assir his son, 24Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son. 25And the sons of Elkanah; Amasai, and Ahimoth. 26As for Elkanah: the sons of Elkanah; Zophai his son, and Nahath his son, 27Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son. 28And the sons of Samuel; the firstborn Vashni, and Abiah. 29The sons of Merari; Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzza his son, 30Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, Asaiah his son.

The Temple Musicians

31And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest. 32And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing, until Solomon had built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem: and then they waited on their office according to their order. 33And these are they that waited with their children. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman a singer, the son of Joel, the son of Shemuel, 34The son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, the son of Toah, 35The son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai, 36The son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah, 37The son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, 38The son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel. 39And his brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, even Asaph the son of Berachiah, the son of Shimea, 40The son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchiah, 41The son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah, 42The son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei, 43The son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi. 44And their brethren the sons of Merari stood on the left hand: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch, 45The son of Hashabiah, the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah, 46The son of Amzi, the son of Bani, the son of Shamer, 47The son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi. 48Their brethren also the Levites were appointed unto all manner of service of the tabernacle of the house of God.

Descendants of Aaron

49But Aaron and his sons offered upon the altar of the burnt offering, and on the altar of incense, and were appointed for all the work of the place most holy, and to make an atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded. 50And these are the sons of Aaron; Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son, 51Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son, 52Meraioth his son, Amariah his son, Ahitub his son, 53Zadok his son, Ahimaaz his son.

Territory for the Levites

(Numbers 35:1-5; Joshua 21:1-45)

54Now these are their dwelling places throughout their castles in their coasts, of the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites: for theirs was the lot. 55And they gave them Hebron in the land of Judah, and the suburbs thereof round about it. 56But the fields of the city, and the villages thereof, they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh. 57And to the sons of Aaron they gave the cities of Judah, namely, Hebron, the city of refuge, and Libnah with her suburbs, and Jattir, and Eshtemoa, with their suburbs, 58And Hilen with her suburbs, Debir with her suburbs, 59And Ashan with her suburbs, and Bethshemesh with her suburbs: 60And out of the tribe of Benjamin; Geba with her suburbs, and Alemeth with her suburbs, and Anathoth with her suburbs. All their cities throughout their families were thirteen cities.

61And unto the sons of Kohath, which were left of the family of that tribe, were cities given out of the half tribe, namely, out of the half tribe of Manasseh, by lot, ten cities. 62And to the sons of Gershom throughout their families out of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities. 63Unto the sons of Merari were given by lot, throughout their families, out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities. 64And the children of Israel gave to the Levites these cities with their suburbs. 65And they gave by lot out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, and out of the tribe of the children of Benjamin, these cities, which are called by their names.

66And the residue of the families of the sons of Kohath had cities of their coasts out of the tribe of Ephraim. 67And they gave unto them, of the cities of refuge, Shechem in mount Ephraim with her suburbs; they gave also Gezer with her suburbs, 68And Jokmeam with her suburbs, and Bethhoron with her suburbs, 69And Aijalon with her suburbs, and Gathrimmon with her suburbs: 70And out of the half tribe of Manasseh; Aner with her suburbs, and Bileam with her suburbs, for the family of the remnant of the sons of Kohath.

71Unto the sons of Gershom were given out of the family of the half tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, and Ashtaroth with her suburbs: 72And out of the tribe of Issachar; Kedesh with her suburbs, Daberath with her suburbs, 73And Ramoth with her suburbs, and Anem with her suburbs: 74And out of the tribe of Asher; Mashal with her suburbs, and Abdon with her suburbs, 75And Hukok with her suburbs, and Rehob with her suburbs: 76And out of the tribe of Naphtali; Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, and Hammon with her suburbs, and Kirjathaim with her suburbs.

77Unto the rest of the children of Merari were given out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmon with her suburbs, Tabor with her suburbs: 78And on the other side Jordan by Jericho, on the east side of Jordan, were given them out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer in the wilderness with her suburbs, and Jahzah with her suburbs, 79Kedemoth also with her suburbs, and Mephaath with her suburbs: 80And out of the tribe of Gad; Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, and Mahanaim with her suburbs, 81And Heshbon with her suburbs, and Jazer with her suburbs.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

The Descendants of Levi

1 The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 2 The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel. 3 The children of Amram: Aaron, and Moses, and Miriam. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 4 Eleazar became the father of Phinehas, Phinehas became the father of Abishua, 5 and Abishua became the father of Bukki, and Bukki became the father of Uzzi, 6 and Uzzi became the father of Zerahiah, and Zerahiah became the father of Meraioth, 7 Meraioth became the father of Amariah, and Amariah became the father of Ahitub, 8 and Ahitub became the father of Zadok, and Zadok became the father of Ahimaaz, 9 and Ahimaaz became the father of Azariah, and Azariah became the father of Johanan, 10 and Johanan became the father of Azariah, (he it is who executed the priest’s office in the house that Solomon built in Jerusalem), 11 and Azariah became the father of Amariah, and Amariah became the father of Ahitub, 12 and Ahitub became the father of Zadok, and Zadok became the father of Shallum, 13 and Shallum became the father of Hilkiah, and Hilkiah became the father of Azariah, 14 and Azariah became the father of Seraiah, and Seraiah became the father of Jehozadak; 15 Jehozadak went into captivity, when Yahweh carried away Judah and Jerusalem by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.

16 The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. 17 These are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei. 18 The sons of Kohath were Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel. 19 The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their fathers’ households. 20 Of Gershom: Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son, 21 Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeatherai his son. 22 The sons of Kohath: Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son, 23 Elkanah his son, and Ebiasaph his son, and Assir his son, 24 Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son. 25 The sons of Elkanah: Amasai, and Ahimoth. 26 As for Elkanah, the sons of Elkanah: Zophai his son, and Nahath his son, 27 Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son. 28 The sons of Samuel: the firstborn Joel, and the second Abijah. 29 The sons of Merari: Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzzah his son, 30 Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, Asaiah his son.

The Temple Musicians

31 These are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of Yahweh, after that the ark had rest. 32 They ministered with song before the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting, until Solomon had built the house of Yahweh in Jerusalem: and they waited on their office according to their order. 33 These are those who waited, and their sons. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman the singer, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel, 34 the son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, the son of Toah, 35 the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai, 36 the son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah, 37 the son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, 38 the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel. 39 His brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, even Asaph the son of Berechiah, the son of Shimea, 40 the son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchijah, 41 the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah, 42 the son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei, 43 the son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi. 44 On the left hand their brothers the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch, 45 the son of Hashabiah, the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah, 46 the son of Amzi, the son of Bani, the son of Shemer, 47 the son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi.

The Descendants of Aaron

48 Their brothers the Levites were appointed for all the service of the tabernacle of the house of God.

49 But Aaron and his sons offered on the altar of burnt offering, and on the altar of incense, for all the work of the most holy place, and to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded. 50 These are the sons of Aaron: Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son, 51 Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son, 52 Meraioth his son, Amariah his son, Ahitub his son, 53 Zadok his son, Ahimaaz his son.

Territories for the Levites
(Numbers 35:1–8; Joshua 21:1–45)

54 Now these are their dwelling places according to their encampments in their borders: to the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites (for theirs was the first lot), 55 to them they gave Hebron in the land of Judah, and its suburbs around it; 56 but the fields of the city, and its villages, they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh. 57 To the sons of Aaron they gave the cities of refuge, Hebron; Libnah also with its suburbs, and Jattir, and Eshtemoa with its suburbs, 58 and Hilen with its suburbs, Debir with its suburbs, 59 and Ashan with its suburbs, and Beth Shemesh with its suburbs; 60 and out of the tribe of Benjamin, Geba with its suburbs, and Allemeth with its suburbs, and Anathoth with its suburbs. All their cities throughout their families were thirteen cities.

61 To the rest of the sons of Kohath were given by lot, out of the family of the tribe, out of the half-tribe, the half of Manasseh, ten cities. 62 To the sons of Gershom, according to their families, out of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities. 63 To the sons of Merari were given by lot, according to their families, out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities. 64 The children of Israel gave to the Levites the cities with their suburbs. 65 They gave by lot out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, and out of the tribe of the children of Benjamin, these cities which are mentioned by name.

66 Some of the families of the sons of Kohath had cities of their borders out of the tribe of Ephraim. 67 They gave to them the cities of refuge, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim with its suburbs; Gezer also with its suburbs, 68 and Jokmeam with its suburbs, and Beth Horon with its suburbs, 69 and Aijalon with its suburbs, and Gath Rimmon with its suburbs; 70 and out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Aner with its suburbs, and Bileam with its suburbs, for the rest of the family of the sons of Kohath.

71 To the sons of Gershom were given, out of the family of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with its suburbs, and Ashtaroth with its suburbs; 72 and out of the tribe of Issachar, Kedesh with its suburbs, Daberath with its suburbs, 73 and Ramoth with its suburbs, and Anem with its suburbs; 74 and out of the tribe of Asher, Mashal with its suburbs, and Abdon with its suburbs, 75 and Hukok with its suburbs, and Rehob with its suburbs; 76 and out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its suburbs, and Hammon with its suburbs, and Kiriathaim with its suburbs.

77 To the rest of the Levites, the sons of Merari, were given, out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmono with its suburbs, Tabor with its suburbs; 78 and beyond the Jordan at Jericho, on the east side of the Jordan, were given them, out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer in the wilderness with its suburbs, and Jahzah with its suburbs, 79 and Kedemoth with its suburbs, and Mephaath with its suburbs; 80 and out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with its suburbs, and Mahanaim with its suburbs, 81 and Heshbon with its suburbs, and Jazer with its suburbs.

The Descendants of Levi

1 The sons of Levi:

Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

2 The sons of Kohath:

Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

3 The children of Amram:

Aaron, Moses, and Miriam.

The sons of Aaron:

Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

4 Eleazar was the father of Phinehas,

Phinehas was the father of Abishua,

5 Abishua was the father of Bukki,

Bukki was the father of Uzzi,

6 Uzzi was the father of Zerahiah,

Zerahiah was the father of Meraioth,

7 Meraioth was the father of Amariah,

Amariah was the father of Ahitub,

8 Ahitub was the father of Zadok,

Zadok was the father of Ahimaaz,

9 Ahimaaz was the father of Azariah,

Azariah was the father of Johanan,

10 Johanan was the father of Azariah, who served as priest in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem,

11 Azariah was the father of Amariah,

Amariah was the father of Ahitub,

12 Ahitub was the father of Zadok,

Zadok was the father of Shallum,

13 Shallum was the father of Hilkiah,

Hilkiah was the father of Azariah,

14 Azariah was the father of Seraiah,

and Seraiah was the father of Jehozadak. a

15 Jehozadak went into captivity when the LORD sent Judah and Jerusalem into exile by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.

16 The sons of Levi:

Gershom, b Kohath, and Merari.

17 These are the names of the sons of Gershom:

Libni and Shimei.

18 The sons of Kohath:

Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

19 The sons of Merari:

Mahli and Mushi.

These are the clans of the Levites listed according to their fathers:

20 Of Gershom:

Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son, 21 Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, and Jeatherai his son.

22 The descendants of Kohath:

Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son, 23 Elkanah his son, Ebiasaph c his son, Assir his son, 24 Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son.

25 The descendants of Elkanah:

Amasai, Ahimoth, 26 Elkanah his son, d Zophai his son, Nahath his son, 27 Eliab e his son, Jeroham his son, and Elkanah his son. f

28 The sons of Samuel:

Joel his firstborn and Abijah his second son. g

29 The descendants of Merari:

Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzzah his son, 30 Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, and Asaiah his son.

The Temple Musicians

31 These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the LORD after the ark rested there. 32 They ministered with song before the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, until Solomon built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. And they performed their duties according to the regulations given them. 33 These are the men who served, together with their sons.

From the Kohathites:

Heman the singer, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel, 34 the son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, h the son of Toah, 35 the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai, 36 the son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah, 37 the son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, 38 the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel.

39 Heman’s kinsman was Asaph, who served at his right hand:

Asaph the son of Berechiah, the son of Shimea, 40 the son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, i the son of Malchijah, 41 the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah, 42 the son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei, 43 the son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi.

44 On the left were their kinsmen, the sons of Merari:

Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch, 45 the son of Hashabiah, the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah, 46 the son of Amzi, the son of Bani, the son of Shemer, 47 the son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi.

The Descendants of Aaron

48 Their fellow Levites were assigned to every kind of service of the tabernacle, the house of God. 49 But Aaron and his sons did all the work of the Most Holy Place. j They presented the offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.

50 These were the descendants of Aaron:

Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son, 51 Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son, 52 Meraioth his son, Amariah his son, Ahitub his son, 53 Zadok his son, and Ahimaaz his son.

Territories for the Levites
(Numbers 35:1–8; Joshua 21:1–45)

54 Now these were the territories assigned to the descendants of Aaron from the Kohathite clan for their settlements, because the first lot fell to them:

55 They were given Hebron in the land of Judah and its surrounding pasturelands. 56 But the fields and villages around the city were given to Caleb son of Jephunneh. 57 So the descendants of Aaron were given Hebron (a city of refuge), Libnah, k Jattir, Eshtemoa, 58 Hilen, l Debir, 59 Ashan, m Juttah, n and Beth-shemesh, together with their pasturelands.

60 And from the tribe of Benjamin they were given Gibeon, o Geba, Alemeth, and Anathoth, together with their pasturelands. So they had thirteen cities in all among their families.

61 To the rest of the Kohathites, ten cities were allotted from the half-tribe of Manasseh.

62 The Gershomites p , according to their clans, were allotted thirteen cities from the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Manasseh in Bashan.

63 The Merarites, according to their families, were allotted twelve cities from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun.

64 So the Israelites gave to the Levites these cities and their pasturelands. 65 They assigned by lot the cities named above from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin.

66 And some of the clans of the Kohathites were given cities from the tribe of Ephraim for their territory:

67 They were given Shechem (a city of refuge) q with its pasturelands in the hill country of Ephraim, and Gezer, 68 Jokmeam, Beth-horon, 69 Aijalon, and Gath-rimmon, together with their pasturelands.

70 And from the half-tribe of Manasseh the remaining clans of the Kohathites were given Aner and Bileam, together with their pasturelands.

71 The Gershomites received the following:

From the clan of the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Golan in Bashan and also Ashtaroth, together with their pasturelands.

72 From the tribe of Issachar they were given Kedesh, Daberath, 73 Ramoth, and Anem, together with their pasturelands.

74 From the tribe of Asher they were given Mashal, Abdon, 75 Hukok, and Rehob, together with their pasturelands.

76 And from the tribe of Naphtali they were given Kedesh in Galilee, Hammon, and Kiriathaim, together with their pasturelands.

77 The Merarites (the rest of the Levites) received the following:

From the tribe of Zebulun they were given Rimmono and Tabor, r together with their pasturelands.

78 From the tribe of Reuben east of the Jordan opposite Jericho they were given Bezer in the wilderness, Jahzah, s 79 Kedemoth, and Mephaath, together with their pasturelands.

80 And from the tribe of Gad they were given Ramoth in Gilead, Mahanaim, 81 Heshbon, and Jazer, together with their pasturelands.

Footnotes:

14 a Jehozadak  is a variant of Jozadak ; also in verse 15; see Ezra 3:2.
16 b Gershom  is a variant of Gershon ; similarly in verses 17, 20, 43, 62, and 71; see verse 1.
23 c Ebiasaph  is a variant of Abiasaph ; also in verse 37; see Exodus 6:24.
26 d Some Hebrew manuscripts, LXX, and Syriac; most Hebrew manuscripts Elkanah. The sons of Elkanah:
27 e Eliab  is also called Eliel ; see verse 34. Both of these are other names for Elihu ; see 1 Samuel 1:1.
27 f Hebrew; some LXX manuscripts include and Samuel his son ; see verses 33–34 and 1 Samuel 1:19–20.
28 g See Syriac and some LXX manuscripts (also verse 33 and 1 Samuel 8:2); Hebrew The sons of Samuel: the firstborn Vashni, then Abiah .
34 h Eliel  is also called Eliab ; see verse 27. Both of these are other names for Elihu ; see 1 Samuel 1:1.
40 i Most Hebrew manuscripts; some Hebrew manuscripts, one LXX manuscript, and Syriac Maaseiah
49 j Or the Holy of Holies
57 k As in the parallel text at Joshua 21:13; Hebrew were given the cities of refuge: Hebron, Libnah
58 l Some Hebrew manuscripts; MT Hilez ; parallel text at Joshua 21:15 Holon
59 m Ashan  is a variant of Ain ; see Joshua 21:16.
59 n Syriac and the parallel text at Joshua 21:16; MT does not include Juttah,
60 o LXX, Syriac, and parallel text at Joshua 21:17; MT does not include Gibeon,
62 p Gershomites  is a variant of Gershonites ; also in verse 71; see 1 Chronicles 23:7.
67 q As in the parallel text at Joshua 21:21; Hebrew They were given the cities of refuge: Shechem
77 r LXX (they were given) Jokneam, Kartah, Rimmono, and Tabor ; see Joshua 21:34.
78 s Jahzah  is a variant of Jahaz ; see Numbers 21:23.

Descendants of Levi

1Sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 2And the sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel. 3And sons of Amram: Aaron, and Moses, and Miriam. And sons of Aaron: Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 4Eleazar begat Phinehas, Phinehas begat Abishua, 5and Abishua begat Bukki, and Bukki begat Uzzi, 6and Uzzi begat Zerahiah, and Zerahiah begat Meraioth, 7Meraioth begat Amariah, and Amariah begat Ahitub, 8and Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Ahimaaz, 9and Ahimaaz begat Azariah, and Azariah begat Johanan, 10and Johanan begat Azariah, him who acted as priest in the house that Solomon built in Jerusalem. 11And Azariah begetteth Amariah, and Amariah begat Ahitub, 12and Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Shallum, 13and Shallum begat Hilkiah, and Hilkiah begat Azariah, 14and Azariah begat Seraiah, and Seraiah begat Jehozadak; 15and Jehozadak hath gone in Jehovah's removing Judah and Jerusalem by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.

The Levite Clans

16Sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. 17And these are names of sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei. 18And sons of Kohath: Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel. 19Sons of Merari; Mahli and Mushi. And these are families of the Levite according to their fathers; 20of Gershom: Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son, 21Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeaterai his son. 22Sons of Kohath: Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son, 23Elkanah his son, and Ebiasaph his son, and Assir his son, 24Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son. 25And sons of Elkanah; Amasai and Ahimoth. 26Elkanah; sons of Elkanah: Zophai his son, and Nahath his son, 27Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son. 28And sons of Samuel: the first-born Vashni, and the second Abijah. 29Sons of Merari: Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzzah his son, 30Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, Asaiah his son.

The Temple Musicians

31And these are they whom David stationed over the parts of the song of the house of Jehovah, from the resting of the ark, 32and they are ministering before the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, in song, till the building by Solomon of the house of Jehovah in Jerusalem; and they stand according to their ordinance over their service. 33And these are those standing, and their sons: of the sons of the Kohathite: Heman the singer, son of Joel, son of Shemuel, 34son of Elkanah, son of Jeroham, son of Eliel, son of Toah, 35son of Zuph, son of Elkanah, son of Mahath, son of Amasai, 36son of Elkanah, son of Joel, son of Azariah, son of Zephaniah, 37son of Tahath, son of Assir, son of Ebiasaph, son of Korah, 38son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi, son of Israel. 39And his brother Asaph, who is standing on his right -- Asaph, son of Berachiah, son of Shimea, 40son of Michael, son of Baaseiah, son of Malchiah, 41son of Ethni, son of Zerah, son of Adaiah, 42son of Ethan, son of Zimmah, son of Shimei, 43son of Jahath, son of Gershom, son of Levi. 44And sons of Merari, their brethren, are on the left. Ethan son of Kishi, son of Abdi, son of Malluch, 45son of Hashabiah, son of Amaziah, son of Hilkiah, 46son of Amzi, son of Bani, son of Shamer, 47son of Mahli, son of Mushi, son of Merari, son of Levi. 48And their brethren the Levites are put to all the service of the tabernacle of the house of God.

Descendants of Aaron

49And Aaron and his sons are making perfume on the altar of the burnt-offering, and on the altar of the perfume, for all the work of the holy of holies, and to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses servant of God commanded. 50And these are sons of Aaron: Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son, 51Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son, 52Meraioth his son, Amariah his son, Ahitub his son, 53Zadok his son, Ahimaaz his son.

Territory for the Levites

(Numbers 35:1-5; Joshua 21:1-45)

54And these are their dwellings, throughout their towers, in their borders, of the sons of Aaron, of the family of the Kohathite, for theirs was the lot; 55and they give to them Hebron in the land of Judah and its suburbs round about it; 56and the field of the city and its villages they gave to Caleb son of Jephunneh. 57And to the sons of Aaron they gave the cities of refuge: Hebron, and Libnah and its suburbs, and Jattir, and Eshtemoa and its suburbs, 58and Hilen and its suburbs, Debir and its suburbs, 59and Ashan and its suburbs, and Beth-Shemesh and its suburbs. 60And from the tribe of Benjamin, Geba and its suburbs, and Allemeth and its suburbs, and Anathoth and its suburbs. All their cities are thirteen cities, for their families.

61And to the sons of Kohath, those left of the family of the tribe, from the half of the tribe, the half of Manasseh, by lot, are ten cities. 62And to the sons of Gershom, for their families, from the tribe of Issachar, and from the tribe of Asher, and from the tribe of Naphtali, and from the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities. 63To the sons of Merari, for their families, from the tribe of Reuben, and from the tribe of Gad, and from the tribe of Zebulun, by lot, twelve cities. 64And the sons of Israel give to the Levites the cities and their suburbs. 65And they give by lot from the tribe of the sons of Judah, and from the tribe of the sons of Simeon, and from the tribe of the sons of Benjamin, these cities which they call by name;

66and some of the families of the sons of Kohath have cities of their border from the tribe of Ephraim; 67and they give to them the cities of refuge, Shechem and its suburbs in the hill-country of Ephraim, and Gezer and its suburbs, 68and Jokmeam and its suburbs, and Beth-Horan and its suburbs, 69and Aijalon and its suburbs, and Gath-Rimmon and its suburbs; 70and from the half tribe of Manasseh, Aner and its suburbs, and Bileam and its suburbs, for the family of the sons of Kohath who are left.

71To the sons of Gershom from the family of the half of the tribe of Manasseh are Golan in Bashan and its suburbs, and Ashtaroth and its suburbs; 72and from the tribe of Issachar; Kedesh and its suburbs, Daberath and its suburbs, 73and Ramoth and its suburbs, and Anem and its suburbs; 74and from the tribe of Asher; Mashal and its suburbs, and Abdon and its suburbs, 75and Hukok and its suburbs, and Rehob and its suburbs; 76and from the tribe of Naphtali: Kedesh in Galilee and its suburbs, and Hammon and its suburbs, and Kirjathaim and its suburbs.

77To the sons of Merari who are left, from the tribe of Zebulun, are Rimmon and its suburbs, Tabor and its suburbs; 78and from beyond the Jordan by Jericho, at the east of the Jordan, from the tribe of Reuben, Bezer in the wilderness and its suburbs, and Jahzah and its suburbs, 79and Kedemoth and its suburbs, and Mephaath and its suburbs; 80and from the tribe of Gad: Ramoth in Gilead and its suburbs, and Mahanaim and its suburbs, 81and Heshbon and its suburbs, and Jazer and its suburbs.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 6?

1.1Introduction to 1 Chronicles 6

1.2Context of 1 Chronicles 6

1.3Ancient Key Word Study

1.4Compare & Contrast

1.51 Chronicles 6 Unique Insights

1.61 Chronicles 6 Connections to Yeshua

1.71 Chronicles 6 Scriptural Echoes

1.81 Chronicles 6 Devotional

1.9Did You Know

What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 6?

Introduction to 1 Chronicles 6

1 Chronicles 6 presents a detailed genealogical record focusing on the Levitical priesthood, tracing the lineage from Levi through the generations of priests and temple servants. This chapter holds profound significance as it establishes the divine authenticity of the priesthood and demonstrates God’s faithfulness in maintaining a line of consecrated servants throughout Israel’s history.

The chapter’s meticulous documentation serves multiple purposes: it validates the legitimacy of the post-exilic temple service, provides a historical framework for understanding the development of Israel’s worship system, and offers deep insights into the importance of maintaining proper spiritual leadership and worship practices.

Context of 1 Chronicles 6

Within the immediate context of 1 Chronicles, chapter 6 forms part of the larger genealogical section (chapters 1-9) that establishes the historical and spiritual foundations of Israel’s identity after the Babylonian exile. This chapter specifically focuses on the Levites, highlighting their crucial role in maintaining Israel’s spiritual heritage and temple worship.

In the broader biblical narrative, this chapter connects to the establishment of the Levitical priesthood in Exodus 28:1 and the detailed instructions for temple service found in Leviticus 8-10. It serves as a bridge between the initial establishment of the priesthood and its continuation through Israel’s history, demonstrating God’s faithfulness in preserving His ordained system of worship.

The genealogical records also point forward to the coming of the Messiah, as they establish the pattern of God working through specific chosen lineages to accomplish His purposes. This foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Yeshua, who would come not through the Levitical line but through the order of Melchizedek.

Ancient Key Word Study

כֹּהֵן (kohen) – “priest”: This term appears frequently throughout the chapter, denoting not just a religious functionary but one who stands as a mediator between God and man. The root suggests one who “stands” or “serves,” emphasizing the active nature of priestly service before יהוה.
לֵוִי (Levi) – The tribal name carries the meaning “joined” or “attached,” reflecting the tribe’s special attachment to God’s service. This etymology points to the deeper spiritual reality of their calling as those specifically joined to יהוה’s service.
מִשְׁמֶרֶת (mishmeret) – “charge” or “watch”: Used to describe the Levites’ responsibilities, this word carries the connotation of careful guardianship and vigilant service, emphasizing the serious nature of their duties.
שִׁיר (shir) – “song”: Referenced in relation to the temple musicians, this word connects to the root meaning “to sing” but also carries connotations of “to study” or “to contemplate,” suggesting that temple music was both artistic and deeply theological.
מַחְלְקוֹת (machlekot) – “divisions” or “courses”: This organizational term reflects the systematic arrangement of priestly service, demonstrating the orderly nature of temple worship.
עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) – “service”: This term encompasses both physical labor and spiritual service, representing the holistic nature of Levitical duties that combined practical and spiritual elements.
מִקְדָּשׁ (mikdash) – “sanctuary”: Derived from the root meaning “holy” or “set apart,” this term emphasizes the sacred nature of the space where the Levites served and its distinction from ordinary space.
מִשְׁפָּחָה (mishpachah) – “family”: Used throughout the genealogies, this word carries deeper meaning than just biological relation, suggesting a shared calling and spiritual heritage.

Compare & Contrast

Verse 4-8 details Aaron’s line through Eleazar rather than Ithamar. This choice emphasizes the primary line of high priests and reflects God’s original intention, contrasting with later periods when the high priesthood shifted between lines. The text uses יָלַד (yalad – “begat”) repeatedly, emphasizing direct succession rather than using alternative terms that might suggest gaps in the lineage.
Verses 31-32 specifically mentions David’s appointment of musicians “after the ark had rest,” using נוּחַ (nuach – “rest”) rather than שָׁכַן (shakan – “dwell”). This word choice emphasizes the fulfillment of God’s promises regarding a place of rest for His presence, connecting to the broader theological theme of rest in Scripture.
Verses 48-49 deliberately contrasts the general service of the Levites with Aaron’s specific high priestly duties using distinct terminology: עֲבוֹדָה (avodah) for general service versus כַּפֵּר (kapper – “to make atonement”) for Aaron’s unique role, highlighting the hierarchical structure of temple service.
The organization of the musical service in verses 31-48 uses specific technical terms like עָמַד (amad – “to stand”) to describe their service, indicating a formal, established system rather than informal worship arrangements.

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1 Chronicles 6 Unique Insights

The chapter contains several layers of meaning that point to deeper spiritual truths. The repetition of names and generations serves not just as historical record but as testimony to God’s faithfulness in maintaining His worship system. The Rabbinical tradition notes that the threefold division of Levitical service (priests, musicians, and general servants) parallels the structure of the universe (heaven, earth, and the underlying spiritual realm), suggesting that temple service was understood as maintaining cosmic harmony.

The careful preservation of musical lineages alongside priestly ones reveals the elevated status of worship music in ancient Israel. Unlike other ancient Near Eastern cultures where music was primarily entertainment or royal ceremony, Israel’s temple musicians were considered vital to proper worship. The Talmud (Arachin 11a) suggests that the Levitical songs had power to draw down Divine presence, pointing to the spiritual potency of properly ordained worship.

Early Christian writers like Clement of Rome saw in the careful organization of Levitical service a pattern for church order, but more importantly, they recognized these structures as shadows pointing to the perfect worship that would be established through the Messiah. The detailed attention to proper lineage and service foreshadowed the importance of being properly aligned with God’s ordained means of approach through Yeshua.

The geographical assignments of Levitical cities described in the latter part of the chapter reveal a divine strategy for spreading spiritual influence throughout Israel. These cities served as centers of teaching and worship, creating a network of spiritual instruction that maintained Israel’s covenant relationship with יהוה.

1 Chronicles 6 Connections to Yeshua

The elaborate system of priests, musicians, and servants detailed in this chapter points forward to Yeshua’s perfect fulfillment of all these roles. As Hebrews 7:11-28 explains, the Levitical priesthood’s limitations and need for succession foreshadowed the coming of a perfect High Priest who would serve eternally.

The chapter’s emphasis on proper lineage and divine appointment for service finds its ultimate expression in Yeshua, who, though not from Levi, holds a higher priesthood “after the order of Melchizedek.” The careful maintenance of worship systems and sacrificial service pointed to the perfect worship and final sacrifice that would be accomplished through Him.

1 Chronicles 6 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates with numerous other biblical passages. The establishment of Levitical cities fulfills the promises made in Numbers 35 regarding the distribution of Levitical inheritance. The organization of temple musicians echoes Psalm 137, which remembers these songs in exile.

The chapter’s focus on maintaining proper worship service connects to Malachi 2:1-9, which addresses priestly corruption and calls for return to proper service. The emphasis on divine appointment for service finds parallel in 1 Peter 2:9, which extends priestly calling to all believers.

1 Chronicles 6 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to consider our own role in God’s service. Just as the Levites were specifically set apart for divine service, believers today are called to understand and fulfill their unique spiritual callings. The careful attention to proper worship reminds us that how we approach God matters.

The chapter’s emphasis on maintaining proper spiritual heritage encourages us to consider what spiritual legacy we are passing on to future generations. Are we, like the Levites, faithful in maintaining and transmitting God’s truth to those who come after us?

Did You Know

The Levitical cities mentioned in this chapter formed a strategic network that ensured no Israelite was more than a day’s journey from spiritual instruction and guidance.
The musical guilds established by David and mentioned in this chapter continued to function until the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, preserving ancient melodies and worship patterns for over a millennium.
The term “sons of” in Levitical records could refer to either biological descent or professional apprenticeship in temple service.
The chapter records three main musical families: Heman, Asaph, and Ethan/Jeduthun, whose descendants composed many of the psalms we have in Scripture.
The geographical distribution of Levitical cities created a system of refuge cities that provided both justice and mercy in ancient Israel.
The careful preservation of musical lineages suggests that specific melodies and worship patterns were passed down through generations as part of oral tradition.
The organization of temple musicians influenced the development of both Jewish and Christian liturgical music traditions.
The Levitical cities served as centers of education, effectively creating ancient Israel’s first system of public education.

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Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

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